Post-baccalaureate Program
The Post-baccalaureate program allows applicants to complete the required course work and internship experiences on a customized schedule that meets the needs of the individual.
The Post-baccalaureate program is a post-graduate professional teacher education program designed to provide an opportunity for post-baccalaureate students to prepare for a career in teaching. An undergraduate or graduate major in the appropriate academic area is required. If the student does not have the appropriate major, courses will be recommended to make up the deficiency. General education requirements must also be met. The program requires a two-semester, year-long, school-based internship experience. Completion of the internship earns twenty-four graduate semester credits. Twelve additional graduate semester credits are required for completion of a master's degree.
For information about Alternative Programs in Special Education see Modified and Early Childhood Special Education.
Admission Process for the Post-baccalaureate Program
Step 1: An Initial On-Campus Interview
To apply to the Post-baccalaureate program, an applicant must first schedule an initial interview with a Teacher Education advisor in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Student Services Office. This office can be contacted at (865) 974-8194. During this on-campus interview, advisors will assess the academic background of the applicant by conducting a course-by-course transcript evaluation and will develop an individualized program of study leading to eligibility to apply for a Tennessee teaching license. The cumulative GPA for all undergraduate and graduate course work will be determined. A minimum cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 2.70 out of 4.0 is required to apply. The applicant must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0 in the desired teaching field.
The college admits qualified applicants to the Post-baccalaureate program twice during the academic year (fall semester and spring semester). Since the admission period is not continuous, applicants are encouraged to closely monitor admission deadlines. The Teacher Education Admission Office publishes a Teacher Education Calendar each academic year to assist applicants in meeting the requirements for admission.
Step 2: Application for the Teacher Education Program
All applicants must complete and turn in an application for the Teacher Education Program. Applications for admission are available from:
Nina Fox
Office of Professional Licensure
A309 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37996-3433
(865) 974-4118
E-mail: nfox@utk.edu
All applicants must pass a hearing and speech screening. The hearing and speech screenings are available at the beginning of each semester. The screenings are conducted from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Hearing and Speech Center at the corner of Peyton Manning Pass and Phil Fulmer Drive. Prior to reporting to the Hearing and Speech Center, applicants should check in with the Teacher Education Admission Office in room A309 Claxton Complex.
Step 3: Final Application Process — Permission to Interview with the Board of Admissions
The final admission step is to receive permission to interview with the College Board of Admissions. The college's Teacher Education Admission Office tracks the eligibility of applicants who successfully complete Steps 1 and 2. Once the Teacher Education Admission Office determines that the applicant has attained the minimal requirements for admission to the Professional Teacher Education Program and may be eligible to interview with the Board of Admissions, the applicant will be mailed written notice of minimum eligibility status.
Based on the fact that post-baccalaureate students have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to the time of application for admission to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, these individuals are exempt from the Pre-Professional Skills Test (Praxis I) requirement.
Once admitted to the Post-baccalaureate program, individuals are responsible for all tuition, fees, books, and other supplies necessary to complete the program. The admission process includes an interview with the College Board of Admissions. The membership of the Board of Admissions includes, but is not limited to: (1) a faculty member representing the program to which the applicant is applying, (2) a faculty member representing other academic departments of the university, (3) a classroom teacher representing the program to which the applicant is applying, and (4) an advanced student in the program to which the applicant is applying. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences will interview all qualified applicants who meet the course work and GPA standards.
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718